Chapter 125. Template Terminology

Data Types

The central column of the Database Source Browser lists Field Name and Data
Type for the selected database table.

Each data type has its own characteristics and uses:

Data Type

Description

Notes

int

Integer

money

id

Unique number assigned by the database to identify a
record

A number that is a meaningful reference for the database but not
of much use to a human user. Use in displayed fields when counting records or
in filters.

text

Text field

Usually uses the Raw Data transform.

timestamp

Exact date and time

Select appropriate date/time transform.
Raw Data includes second and timezone information, usually more than is required
for a report.

bool

True or False

Commonly used to filter out deleted item or patron records.

org_unit

A number representing a library, library system, or
federation

When you want to filter on a library, make sure that the field
name is on an org_unit or id data type.

link

A link to another database table

Link outputs a number that is a
meaningful reference for the database but not of much use to a human user. You
will usually want to drill further down the tree in the Sources pane and select
fields from the linked table. However, in some instances you might want to use
a link field. For example, to count the number of patrons who borrowed items you
could do a count on the Patron link data.